Robert Snuggs Abstract
Project Title: “Transitions in S II including Diagnostic Techniques in Atomic Physics”
Abstract: There is continued interest in the structure and radiative properties of Sulfur II. Utilizing the Toledo Heavy Ion Accelerator (THIA), we have previously obtained the first experimental lifetimes associated with S II transitions for the 906, 910, and 912 Å lines. In the recent past, we have collected emission spectra for these transitions. These transitions are seen in astronomical environments, such as the Io plasma torus, with the Far Ultraviolet Spectroscopic Explorer (FUSE). Analysis of our emission spectra suggests the possibility of the presence of cascades arising from high-lying levels in the quartet terms of the 3s23p24p and 3s23p25p configurations. We set out to verify the impact of these cascades such that we can obtain more accurate experimental branching fractions from our emission spectra. In parallel to this work, we have updated and validated our program Beaming utilizing Python. This program aids us in characterizing THIA’s beam-foil interaction to help set up experimental runs.